Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu on Sunday made explosive claims, alleging that pro-Khalistan elements associated with the radical outfit ‘Waris Punjab De’, led by incarcerated preacher Amritpal Singh, are plotting to assassinate him and other political figures in Punjab.
Citing purported screenshots from WhatsApp chats that have surfaced on social media platforms, Bittu said that the conspiracy has now come to light. According to the Union Minister, the chats explicitly mentioned plans to target him and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in retaliation for the extension of Amritpal Singh’s detention under the National Security Act (NSA).
The Punjab Government recently extended Amritpal’s NSA detention by another year. The 32-year-old radical preacher, who styled himself after Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, was arrested from Rode village in Moga on April 23, 2023, after a month-long statewide manhunt. He has since been lodged in Assam’s Dibrugarh Jail along with several close aides.
Bittu claimed that the Central Government has taken serious note of the assassination plot and is monitoring the activities of such elements closely. “These anti-national conspiracies are a dangerous attempt to drag Punjab back into its dark and painful past. We will not allow it,” he said.
The BJP leader launched a scathing attack on the state government for what he described as a “soft stance” on criminal elements masquerading as political activists. “The AAP government’s leniency is emboldening such forces. But the Centre will act decisively. Punjab’s peace will not be compromised,” Bittu declared.
Invoking his family’s history of sacrifice, Bittu said: “My grandfather Beant Singh laid down his life for peace in Punjab. We are not afraid of threats. We stand firm against extremism. This conspiracy will not succeed—those behind it will be brought to justice.”